ROME – Italy’s outgoing soccer chief, Gabriele Gravina, on Wednesday proposed a series of reforms aimed at reviving a sport in deep crisis. This follows the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, marking a historic low point for the four-time World Cup winners.

Gravina, who resigned as head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on April 2, called for the redirection of betting revenues into youth development and infrastructure. His proposals seek to address the long-standing issues plaguing Italian soccer, which have sparked widespread criticism of the entire system.

In his final report, Gravina pointed to structural weaknesses within the sport as the primary cause of Italy’s repeated failures, rather than short-term tactical errors. He emphasized that the country’s soccer system needed a complete overhaul, one that would focus on long-term development and investment.

Proposals for Reform

Gravina’s report suggests that part of the substantial gambling revenues generated by soccer should be redirected into grassroots programs, youth academies, and the construction or renovation of soccer stadiums. He also recommended lifting the 2018 ban on betting advertising and sponsorships, which was introduced to combat gambling addiction. Italy has Europe’s largest gambling market, and the report argues that legal betting can contribute positively to the sport’s development if properly regulated.

Another major concern highlighted in the report is the over-reliance on foreign players in Serie A, Italy’s top-flight football league. Currently, foreigners account for approximately 68% of playing time in Serie A, one of the highest proportions in Europe. The lack of opportunities for young Italian talent is especially concerning, with players under 21 accounting for less than 2% of total playing time in the league.

Youth Development and Financial Challenges

To combat this trend, Gravina proposed financial incentives for clubs that prioritize fielding young Italian players. The federation also advocated for increased investment in youth academies and the acceleration of stadium redevelopment projects.

However, the technical decline of Italian soccer is further compounded by a fragile financial model. According to the FIGC report, professional Italian football loses more than €700 million annually, and many clubs are burdened with high levels of debt. The sport’s financial instability has led to the collapse or exclusion of several clubs from competitions in recent years.

A Long Road Ahead

Gravina concluded that Italy’s recovery would require a coordinated effort across all levels of the sport. Leadership changes or isolated reforms, he warned, would not be enough to restore the country’s competitiveness on the global stage. Instead, a comprehensive approach to restructuring the sport from the grassroots up is essential.

With Gravina’s resignation, the FIGC is set to elect a new president in June. The latest setback for Italian soccer follows a shock defeat to Bosnia, which prompted national team manager Gennaro Gattuso and team delegation head Gianluigi Buffon to step down.

As Italy grapples with the crisis, the future of its footballing legacy hangs in the balance.

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-Reporting by Gavin Jones, Editing by Alvise Armellini and Andrew Cawthorne/Reuters